Sarah Connor Chronicles Competes in the New Year

If you’ve been waiting and wondering when “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” would finally hit the ground so you and other hangers-on can see if it falls flat or hits the ground running, then wonder no more. Fox has been airing commercials with the metal skeleton of a terminator and the faces of Sarah and John Connor (Lena Headey of “300” and Thomas Dekker of “Heroes”) heralding the date, Jan. 14. Reports by ComingSoon put the timeframe squarely in the timeslot of “Prison Break,” which is set to have its fall finale on Dec. 17 and resume on April 14.

The buzz around “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” generally exceeds the hype for “Bionic Woman” but spacing out the heroines was probably a good idea, though “Bionic” doesn’t seem to be experiencing the kind of success one might hope. “Chronicles,” however, has a fresher, more action-packed and more memorable franchise behind it. Not to say anything against the original “Bionic” and its legacy, characterized by heavy ‘80s themes and style.

It’s interesting to ponder the impact of “Bionic” back when such technology was new and mysterious and more fantasy science-fiction than futuristic medical miracle. Then, consider “Connor” and the commentary on the dreaded power of technology and the implications of artificial intelligence. Another point worth noting is how the new “Bionic” has made Jaime more freak than hero, exploring a different angle and some more rogue elements than the original. While she is supercharged, Sarah Connor is the mother of the future as a mere ordinary human. Most fascinating of all will be seeing what the impressions are once both are sharing the air and fighting for similar audiences.

Regardless of when “Sarah Connor” makes her debut, she and the “Bionic Woman” are probably going to bump heads, competing for the title of network television tough chick. Unless Sarah proves herself head and shoulders above Jaime, we may just see a battle of the techno-war babes.